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"Reckoner"
Song by Radiohead
from the album In Rainbows
Released10 October 2007
Recorded2005–2007
GenreArt rock[1]
Length4:50
Label
Songwriters
ProducerNigel Godrich

"Reckoner" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released on their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007). It was produced by Nigel Godrich and developed while Radiohead were working on another song, "Feeling Pulled Apart by Horses". The singer, Thom Yorke, described it as "the centre" of In Rainbows.

Remixes were released by James Holden, Flying Lotus and Diplo. Radiohead also released the stems for fans to remix, as they had for the previous In Rainbows single, "Nude". Boosted by sales of the stems, "Reckoner" reached number 74 on the UK singles chart. In 2011, NME named it one of the greatest songs of the preceding 15 years, and Pitchfork named it one of the greatest songs of the decade.

Recording

[edit]

"Reckoner" developed from a different song, "Feeling Pulled Apart by Horses", which once had the same title. Radiohead wrote a coda that developed into the final song, but kept the title.[2] Radiohead were excited about "Reckoner" and finished it quickly after recording a demo.[2] The producer, Nigel Godrich, recalled of the recording sessions: "People [were] all over the house, shaking things and getting this groove going, then chopping it up into little pieces and putting it back together. It was a lot of fun."[3]

Composition

[edit]

"Reckoner" features Yorke's falsetto, "frosty, clanging" percussion, a "meandering" guitar line, piano, and strings arranged by the guitarist Jonny Greenwood.[4] Yorke said the guitar riff was a homage to the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante, "in my sort of clunky 'can't-really-pick' kind of way".[5]

According to the bassist, Colin Greenwood, "reckoner" is a Biblical word referring to Saint Peter, who judges people at the gates of heaven. Yorke said he was unaware of this, and had tried to let the melody drive the lyrics without overthinking them.[6] He described the song as "kind of a love song ... Sort of."[7] Yorke said the lyric "because we separate like ripples on a blank shore" was the centre of In Rainbows, and that "everything's leading to that point and then going away from that point".[8]

Release

[edit]

"Reckoner" was released on Radiohead's 2007 album In Rainbows.[4] As they had done for their single "Nude", on September 28, 2008, Radiohead released the separate "Reckoner" stems for fans to purchase and remix. Fans could upload their remixes to the Radiohead website and vote for their favourites.[9] The electronic musicians James Holden, Flying Lotus and Diplo also created remixes.[9]

After the stems went on sale, "Reckoner" reached number 74 on the UK singles chart.[10] It did not enter the US Billboard Hot 100, but reached number 21 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, a 25-song extension of the Hot 100.[11] A performance of "Reckoner" was included on the 2008 live video In Rainbows – From the Basement.[12] "Reckoner" was used in the credits of the 2008 film Choke, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk.[13] The singer-songwriter Lorde used the "Reckoner" drum track while developing her 2025 song "What Was That".[14]

Music video

[edit]

The "Reckoner" music video was created by Clement Picon, who won a competition held by Radiohead and the animation studio Aniboom to create an animation for an In Rainbows song. Yorke described it as one of his favourite Radiohead videos.[15]

Reception

[edit]

Reviewing In Rainbows, Pitchfork wrote that "Reckoner" was not the "most immediate track" but that after several listens "reveals itself to be among the most woozily beautiful things the band has ever recorded".[16] In 2011, Rolling Stone readers voted "Reckoner" the ninth-best Radiohead song, and NME ranked it the 93rd-best track of the preceding 15 years.[17][18] Pitchfork named it the 254th-greatest song of the decade.[19] In 2020, the Guardian named it the third-best Radiohead song, writing: "At first innocuous, 'Reckoner' unspools a full house of virtuoso performances engulfed by Godrich’s winter-blanket production. It soothes then soars."[20]

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "Reckoner"
Chart Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC)[10] 74

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Reckoner"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[21] Gold 40,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Reckoner

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Reckoner" is a song by the English rock band , released as the seventh track on their seventh studio album, , on October 10, 2007. Produced by the band's longtime collaborator , the track runs for 4 minutes and 50 seconds and features lead vocalist singing primarily in . The song originated during recording sessions for in late 2006 or early 2007. It features intricate percussion patterns in 4/4 time, atmospheric guitar work by and , and layered backing vocals that build to a climactic choral section. Written in the key of , "Reckoner" blends elements, creating a meditative and ethereal soundscape. "Reckoner" was released as the fourth and final single from In Rainbows on September 23, 2008, available digitally, with instrumental stems released for fan remixes. The lyrics, penned by Yorke, evoke themes of impermanence and emotional distraction, with lines such as "You can't take it with you" and "Bittersweet distractor" suggesting a reckoning with life's fleeting nature. Widely acclaimed for its haunting beauty and innovative arrangement, the song has been described as a highlight of Radiohead's discography, capturing the introspective essence of In Rainbows.

Background

Origins

The song "Reckoner" evolved during sessions for Radiohead's seventh studio album in 2005–2006, emerging from a new coda section added to an earlier track originally titled "Reckoner" (later released by as "Feeling Pulled Apart by Horses" in 2009). The band incorporated this coda during work on the earlier song, which ultimately detached and developed into the distinct composition of "Reckoner," marking a shift from the original's more abrasive style to a layered, ethereal form. Following the tour and a period of hiatus, resumed creative activities in early 2005 with improvisational group sessions at their studio, which played a crucial role in defining "Reckoner"'s core structure. These unstructured jams allowed to revisit and expand upon fragments from prior material, fostering through collective experimentation before formal production began later that year. A key turning point occurred in late 2006 during sessions for , when frontman contributed ideas for "Reckoner" that profoundly shaped its final iteration. This provided a refined blueprint for the song's emotional depth and arrangement, bridging the improvisational foundations with the album's polished aesthetic.

Recording

The recording of "Reckoner" took place over the period from 2005 to 2007, primarily during sessions for Radiohead's album at various locations including in , , and the band's own studio in . Initial attempts in 2005 with producer Mark Stent were unproductive and largely discarded, leading the band to reunite with longtime producer in 2006 for more focused work. Godrich played a central role in shaping "Reckoner" from raw material into a finished track, editing together improvisational jams and overdubs to create a cohesive structure after receiving input from vocalist . The process emphasized group jamming sessions in the expansive rooms of , where the band captured organic grooves with minimal initial structure, followed by layered overdubs to build depth; Godrich described it as a "real patchwork" involving extensive experimentation. contributed string arrangements late in the process, which Godrich noted "really brought it to life," adding emotional texture through orchestral elements recorded separately. The track, which evolved from an earlier improvisational idea originally titled "Reckoner," was finalized in late 2006 once the core elements aligned. This efficient wrap-up contrasted with the song's prolonged development, highlighting Godrich's skill in synthesizing the band's spontaneous energy into a polished recording.

Composition

Music

"Reckoner" is classified as with elements of , characteristic of Radiohead's evolving sound during the era. The song runs for 4 minutes and 50 seconds and is primarily in the key of , featuring a that emphasizes , , and chords for a moody, introspective atmosphere. The instrumentation centers on Thom Yorke's falsetto vocals, which deliver a haunting, ethereal quality, layered over a distinctive guitar played by Yorke himself. This , inspired by the picking style of guitarist , draws from Yorke's admiration for Frusciante's technique, which he described as a "homage" in a clunky, personal adaptation. Ed contributes additional guitar textures, while Colin provides a steady bass line that anchors the rhythm. Phil Selway's percussion features "frosty, clanging" elements, creating a hypnotic groove, and Jonny adds piano and string arrangements that enhance the song's depth. Structurally, "Reckoner" follows a verse, bridge, and outro form, with dynamic shifts from sparse, intimate openings to fuller, layered climaxes that build emotional intensity. These transitions reflect Radiohead's experimental approach, blending traditional rock structures with innovative textural contrasts to evoke a sense of progression and release. The overall sound underscores the band's signature influences, prioritizing atmospheric immersion over conventional songwriting.

Lyrics

The lyrics of "Reckoner" were written by in a burst of spontaneity during the In Rainbows recording sessions, taking approximately ten minutes as he sat at and committed to completing them without overthinking. Yorke noted that he had discussed the instrumental track with beforehand but lacked words until that moment, describing it as a rare instance where the process flowed effortlessly rather than the typical struggle. Central to the song's themes are , redemption, and , embodied in the "reckoner," which bassist identified as an archaic Biblical term alluding to as a divine who weighs souls at heaven's gates, reckoning good against evil deeds. This imagery underscores a sense of final and transcendence, blending personal with broader existential reflection. The unfold as an abstract , employing poetic, fragmented phrases to convey and impermanence. A pivotal line, "Because we separate like ripples on a blank shore (in rainbows)," captures the fleeting nature of connection, evoking how relationships dissolve like waves on an untouched expanse, serving as the song's emotional core and inspiring the album's . Other verses, such as "Reckoner / You can't take it with you / Dancing ," reinforce motifs of and bittersweet distraction amid judgment.

Release and Promotion

Commercial Release

"Reckoner" served as the seventh track on Radiohead's seventh studio album, , which was initially self-released on October 10, 2007, as a digital download available through the band's website on a pay-what-you-want basis. The album's innovative release model allowed fans to name their price, including zero, marking a departure from traditional practices. The song was not issued as a traditional commercial single upon the album's debut. A promotional release followed in 2008, distributed to DJs and radio stations. Physical editions of , including the song, became available internationally on December 31, 2007, through in formats such as and double vinyl as part of a "discbox" package. These editions also encompassed digital components for broader accessibility. Promotion for "Reckoner" extended to its inclusion in the closing credits of the 2008 film Choke, directed by and released on September 26, 2008. The track was a staple in live performances during Radiohead's world tour, which commenced in May 2008 and featured the song across multiple shows, including at festivals like All Points West.

Remixes and Stems

Following the release of , made the multitrack stems for "Reckoner" available on September 23, 2008, through their official website and , as the fourth and final single from the album. It was offered digitally and as a limited-edition one-sided 12-inch vinyl. The bundle included six isolated tracks—lead vocals, backing vocals, guitars, bass, drums/percussion, and /strings—priced at the cost of a single download, approximately $0.99 as of 2008. This initiative was designed to foster interactive fan engagement, allowing users to sample, rearrange, or incorporate the elements into new compositions for personal or public use. The stems release aligned with Radiohead's broader strategy of innovative, participatory music distribution, building on their pay-what-you-want model for the album and prior remix contests like the one for "Nude." Fans were encouraged to upload their creations to a dedicated remix site, promoting a collaborative extension of the original track's ethereal, layered sound. To launch the project, specifically commissioned es from electronic producers James Holden and , who reinterpreted the stems with their signature styles—Holden's version emphasizing atmospheric and Diplo's infusing rhythms. also delivered a notable , transforming the song's intricate percussion and vocals into a glitchy, cosmic hip-hop landscape. These official contributions highlighted the stems' versatility and inspired further fan-driven experimentation.

Media

Music Video

The official music video for "Reckoner" was directed by French Clément Picon, who was selected as a winner in Radiohead's 2008 aniBoom Animated Music Video Contest. The contest, organized in collaboration with aniBoom.com and TBD Records, received over 1,000 entries from creators in more than 40 countries, inviting participants to submit one-minute animated clips for songs from the album . Radiohead members personally chose four winners, including Picon's entry for "Reckoner," and provided $10,000 to each to expand their submissions into full-length videos. Picon's video is a CGI animation featuring abstract, organic imagery of a lush, green landscape that gradually transforms into urban structures, evoking themes of and syncing visually with the song's intricate rhythms. The style emphasizes shifting light and shadow across the evolving terrain, creating a fluid, dreamlike sequence that aligns with the track's ethereal atmosphere. The video premiered online via Radiohead's official website on October 2, 2008, ahead of the single's commercial release, and was later uploaded to on October 14, 2008. , Radiohead's lead singer, praised the overall contest, stating that the aniBoom video competition had "totally blown me away." As a fan-driven project, the production highlighted collaborative creativity, with Picon working independently to realize his vision using digital animation tools rather than emphasizing high-end polish.

Other Uses

"Reckoner" appeared in the closing credits of the 2008 film Choke, directed by Clark Gregg and based on Chuck Palahniuk's novel, where the track played over the end sequence. The song's drum track was incorporated into Lorde's 2025 single "What Was That," an electropop track co-produced with Jim-E Stack and Dan Nigro; Lorde revealed that the percussion was drawn directly from "Reckoner" during the writing process as a tribute to Radiohead's influence on her work. During Radiohead's Tour from 2008 to 2009, "Reckoner" was a staple in the setlists, frequently performed at major venues and festivals including in on August 1, 2008, and the Reading Festival on August 30, 2009. The band continued to include it regularly in subsequent tours, such as during Tour in 2012 and their European Tour in 2025, where it featured in shows at Movistar Arena in on November 4, 5, 7, and 8. Notable covers of "Reckoner" include a live rendition by at the in 2008, which reinterpreted the track with a soulful, improvisational edge during their performance. An instrumental version by the Band appeared on their 2021 Frampton Forgets the Words, transforming the song into a guitar-driven piece. Additionally, jazz pianist delivered an acclaimed cover on his 2015 live album Covered (The Robert Glasper Trio recorded live at Capitol Studios), featuring an acoustic trio arrangement that captures the song's meditative quality. The track has been licensed for synchronization in various media, including television commercials, though specific placements remain limited in public records.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its release as part of Radiohead's 2007 album , "Reckoner" received widespread critical acclaim for its atmospheric beauty and emotional resonance. described it as "among the most woozily beautiful things the band has ever recorded," highlighting Thom Yorke's "slinky, elongated " backed by frosty percussion, meandering guitars, and layered harmonies, pianos, and strings, positioning it as a standout track that exemplified the album's softer, more introspective side. Reviewers praised the song's innovative arrangement, noting how it evolves from subtle beginnings into a soaring ensemble piece that showcases the band's collective virtuosity under producer Godrich's enveloping production. The track's emotional depth was frequently lauded, with critics appreciating its ability to soothe and then build to heights, blending meditative with a sense of transcendent . Yorke's vocals were a focal point of praise, often cited for their haunting vulnerability that conveys themes of connection and with ethereal grace. In retrospective rankings, "Reckoner" has solidified its status among Radiohead's elite songs. placed it at number 254 on its list of the top 500 tracks of the . readers voted it the ninth-best Radiohead song in a 2011 poll. ranked it 93rd on its 2011 list of the 150 best tracks of the past 15 years, while positioned it third in its 2020 ranking of the band's 40 greatest songs. Criticisms of "Reckoner" were minor and centered on its subtlety relative to Radiohead's more overtly experimental work. noted that, while rewarding on repeated listens, it lacks immediate impact compared to the album's bolder moments.

Commercial Performance

"Reckoner" experienced modest commercial success as a single, primarily driven by the release of its remix stems in 2008. It peaked at number 74 on the UK Singles Chart for one week in October 2008. In the United States, the song did not enter the but reached number 21 on the chart in 2008. As part of Radiohead's seventh studio album (2007), "Reckoner" contributed to the album's strong overall sales, which exceeded three million copies worldwide by late 2008, including downloads, physical CDs, and deluxe editions. No standalone sales figures for the single have been widely reported, reflecting its release primarily as a digital download and remix package rather than a traditional commercial single. The song has not achieved major re-charting in subsequent years, though it garnered renewed attention in 2025 when Lorde revealed using its drum track as inspiration while developing her single "What Was That." This buzz highlighted the track's enduring influence but did not result in significant chart resurgence.

Cultural Impact

"Reckoner" serves as a key example of Radiohead's evolution from their rock-driven earlier work to more experimental electronic sounds, integrating live acoustic percussion with subtle digital layering to create a hybrid texture that marks a transitional phase in their discography. This blend has influenced subsequent ambient and indie artists, who draw on its rhythmic innovation and ethereal atmosphere; for instance, its percussive elements echo minimalist approaches in works by groups like , while the song's overall mood has resonated in the atmospheric of acts such as . The track's enduring legacy is evident in its frequent placement on "best of" compilations, including 13th on NME's reader-voted of the band's top 20 songs in 2012 and 93rd on NME's 2011 ranking of the 150 best tracks from the previous 15 years. Its relevance persists into 2025, highlighted by incorporating the drum track from "Reckoner"—originally released as stems in 2008—during the development of her single "What Was That," a process she described as drawing from accessible production elements to craft an banger. As part of , "Reckoner" exemplifies the album's groundbreaking pay-what-you-want digital release model in 2007, which bypassed traditional industry channels and earned more from initial downloads than prior physical album sales, sparking widespread debate on artist-fan economics and inspiring platforms like . The song's themes of vulnerability and redemption further illuminate Thom Yorke's songwriting maturation, positioning it as the emotional core of and reflecting his shift toward introspective, abstract lyricism amid personal struggles. Post-2020, "Reckoner" has maintained cultural traction through tributes and performances, including an instrumental cover by the Band on their 2021 all-covers album Frampton Forgets, and a live rendition during Radiohead's November 2025 concert in , underscoring its ongoing appeal in both reinterpretations and the band's setlists. Its streaming presence has also grown steadily, surpassing 100 million Spotify plays by 2021 and continuing to rank among Radiohead's most streamed tracks, affirming its sustained resonance with new generations.

References

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  14. https://happymag.tv/engineering-the-sound-radioheads-in-rainbows/
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  45. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/radiohead/2009/little-johns-farm-reading-england-23d4acab.html
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY1xeE827Ic
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  54. https://www.musicradar.com/artists/i-love-making-bangers-someones-got-to-make-them-im-really-proud-when-they-come-out-of-me-lorde-reveals-that-she-used-the-drums-from-radioheads-reckoner-while-she-was-writing-new-single-what-was-what-and-they-probably-werent-too-hard-to-find
  55. https://www.theringer.com/podcasts/dissect/2023/11/14/s11e8-reckoner-by-radiohead
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  57. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-influence-of-Radiohead-on-todays-music
  58. https://www.nme.com/photos/radiohead-s-20-best-songs-as-voted-by-you-1424138
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  62. https://www.reddit.com/r/radiohead/comments/rnwvwn/radiohead_spotify_statistics_24dec2021/
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